Refugees may have to live in mouldy flat for years

The Airoud's moved into a Gateshead Borough Council property after leaving Syria in 2020

A council has said it could be years before a Syrian family, who have been granted asylum in the UK, is moved from their mouldy accommodation.

Hussam Airoud and his wife Marwa came to north-east England in 2020 with their son and two daughters after unrest in their home country, and were moved into a Gateshead Borough Council property.

Their eldest daughter, who has scoliosis of the spine and a hole in her heart, has been diagnosed with mental health problems - something the council acknowledged could improve with a house move.

The council said it was working with the tenant to resolve the issues at the property "as soon as possible".

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Airoud said his son had developed asthma due to the two-bedroom flat's damp conditions and that his daughter's condition was more worrisome.

He said a specialist psychiatrist contacted the council and told it that due to the Airouds' daughter's situation, the family must be moved to a better house.

In a letter written in February, Gateshead Council acknowledged the problems the Airouds were facing.

It said: "We recognise a mental health worker is advising the home is impacting [your daughter's] mental health and we agree this could be eased and improved by rehousing you."

Mrs Airoud said her main concern was for her daughter, who has numerous health issues

The Airouds have been placed in a rehousing category marked as "substantial need".

However, the council warned it "may be months or years" before the family were rehoused.

Mrs Airoud, speaking through the same translator, said her children were currently staying in another family member's house nearby.

Alongside the damp and mould, they had a recent rat infestation, while their son had to sleep on a mattress on the floor, she said.

"Her main concern is her family, mainly her daughter who has an issue with her spine," said the translator.

"The house is so small. It is now about a month since the kids are away, staying somewhere else. They, the kids, don't feel that they can stay in this house any more."